The mind becomes receptive to autosuggestion during Yoga Nidra and a key part of the practice is to formulate an intention, or resolution, known as a sankalpa. A short and simple statement that articulates a desire, a seed that is planted in the quiet space of the mind, and grows in daily life. Conflicting desires dilute our energy, but here we can channel it into one meaningful, fulfilling desire, which can take two forms. The first is the core desire, heart fulfilling, a statement that reflects your true nature, of who you are and comes from deep within. A second form can be of a specific intention or goal related to an important action or situation. It may also be visualized symbolically as an image, felt as a sensation or just quietly known. It can also be repeated before sleep and immediately after waking up, when there is access to the subconscious mind.
An example of a sankalpa from the Shiva Sankalpa Sukta is ‘May my mind be calm and steady.’